To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

State funding and budget of state parks and golf courses under the Department of Tourism.

INTERIM STUDY REPORT
Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee
Representative Randy McDaniel, Chairman
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Interim Study 11-011, Representative Leslie Osborn
October 14, 2011
State funding and budget of State parks and golf courses under the Department of Tourism
Deby Snodgrass, Executive Director
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD)
Deby.Snodgrass@OklaTourism.gov
 Oklahoma benefits from the state park system in several ways. The parks bolster
Oklahoma’s third largest industry, travel and tourism, and preserve natural resources,
including land and water, that might be damaged without the park designation. The
state’s park system also encourages health and wellness among Oklahomans, which is
important considering poor state statistics related to obesity and physical activity.
 Most state parks are leased, not owned, and Oklahoma will always be in the state park
business as a result of an agreement with the federal government under which state park
assets were built with Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF). These funds
were provided to the state with a replacement requirement stipulating that if LWCF
projects were removed from the park system and privatized, they would have to be
replaced with assets of equal market value. As a result of the agreement and this
arrangement, Oklahoma will never exit the park business.
 In order to improve the quality of life and health of all Oklahomans, there should be an
assessment of park locations and distribution across the state. Every five years Oklahoma
is required by the federal government to do a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP). Each SCORP has generated the same criticism that the state’s
parks are not distributed in accordance with Oklahoma’s population.
 There are two ways to reach self-sufficiency in park system operations. The state can
either reduce operating costs or raise revenue generated by certain fees, although an
uncontrollable factor like weather also plays a role in the financials. OTRD is looking at
each park individually to find ways to increase visitation and raise revenue. Most of
Oklahoma’s parks do not have one central entrance point. Therefore, the state cannot
charge an entrance fee and generate income from park land. The lodges and golf courses
associated with Oklahoma’s parks underwrite the entire system. In Texas, state residents
buy an annual card that grants entrance into any state park.
 The Oklahoma Legislature must authorize the transfer of park land. Next session, the
Legislature will be asked to approve the transfer of title on land at Boggy Depot and
Heavener-Runestone.
See presentation a.
Jonathan Small, CPA, Fiscal Policy Director
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Inc.
jonathan@ocpathink.org
 There are core government services that should be provided by the state, but the
government should not be providing a service that the private sector can or does provide
already. Privatization of certain services should be considered.

INTERIM STUDY REPORT
Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee
Representative Randy McDaniel, Chairman
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Interim Study 11-011, Representative Leslie Osborn
October 14, 2011
State funding and budget of State parks and golf courses under the Department of Tourism
Deby Snodgrass, Executive Director
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD)
Deby.Snodgrass@OklaTourism.gov
 Oklahoma benefits from the state park system in several ways. The parks bolster
Oklahoma’s third largest industry, travel and tourism, and preserve natural resources,
including land and water, that might be damaged without the park designation. The
state’s park system also encourages health and wellness among Oklahomans, which is
important considering poor state statistics related to obesity and physical activity.
 Most state parks are leased, not owned, and Oklahoma will always be in the state park
business as a result of an agreement with the federal government under which state park
assets were built with Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF). These funds
were provided to the state with a replacement requirement stipulating that if LWCF
projects were removed from the park system and privatized, they would have to be
replaced with assets of equal market value. As a result of the agreement and this
arrangement, Oklahoma will never exit the park business.
 In order to improve the quality of life and health of all Oklahomans, there should be an
assessment of park locations and distribution across the state. Every five years Oklahoma
is required by the federal government to do a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP). Each SCORP has generated the same criticism that the state’s
parks are not distributed in accordance with Oklahoma’s population.
 There are two ways to reach self-sufficiency in park system operations. The state can
either reduce operating costs or raise revenue generated by certain fees, although an
uncontrollable factor like weather also plays a role in the financials. OTRD is looking at
each park individually to find ways to increase visitation and raise revenue. Most of
Oklahoma’s parks do not have one central entrance point. Therefore, the state cannot
charge an entrance fee and generate income from park land. The lodges and golf courses
associated with Oklahoma’s parks underwrite the entire system. In Texas, state residents
buy an annual card that grants entrance into any state park.
 The Oklahoma Legislature must authorize the transfer of park land. Next session, the
Legislature will be asked to approve the transfer of title on land at Boggy Depot and
Heavener-Runestone.
See presentation a.
Jonathan Small, CPA, Fiscal Policy Director
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Inc.
jonathan@ocpathink.org
 There are core government services that should be provided by the state, but the
government should not be providing a service that the private sector can or does provide
already. Privatization of certain services should be considered.